In Briançon, the new gymnasium at the Parc des Sports combines extreme constraints and architectural ambition, supported by a highly technical mixed wood-metal frame.
In a demanding alpine environmentt, the Brianço Sports Park gymnasiumn project reflects a clear desire: to overcome constraints to make them a design lever, where structure and architecture are one. And it is theMargueron company, subsidiary of Soprema Companies, which was chosen for design a mixed frame responding to the challenges of the mountains.
For over 80 years, Margueron develops recognized know-how in the design, manufacture and implementation of tailor-made wooden framesat the crossroads of artisanal tradition, technical innovation and a constant demand for quality. The company relies on an integrated design office, a responsive methods department and experienced workshop teams, allowing it perfect control of each project. Said control is based on careful preparation in the workshop, which makes it possible to optimize the construction phases and ensure execution that is both precise and rapid. A system made possible by the engagement of qualified companions, careful anticipation of constraints and an ability to adapt each solution to the specificities of the operation.
Margueron operates both in public markets – sports equipment, educational establishments, works of art or cultural works – and in private markets, ranging from commercial spaces to industrial and logistics buildings. Furthermore, the company places its achievements within a logic of sustainable performance, favoring an eco-responsible approach: optimization of sections, sobriety in the use of materials, relevance of assemblies and integration of the constraints of other trades from the design stage.
In Belley (Ain), Margueronled by Denis Hodoulrelies on an efficient production tool and an integrated design office to design and produce up to 7,000 m³ of wooden frames per year, with 50 employees. Created in 1945, the company operates across a large eastern quarter of France and has numerous certifications (Qualibat, ACERBOIS, GLULAM, Bois des Alpes, PEFC), guarantees of quality and know-how. © Margueron
An extraordinary work at the heart of Alpine constraints
HAS Briançonthe highest municipality in Europebuilding is never reduced to a simple technical act. It is a constant challenge, because it is necessary both cope with considerable snow loads but also the requirements of a territory classified as a seismic zone 4.
The new multi-sports gymnasium, delivered at the end of 2025 in the framework of the requalification of the Sports Parkfully illustrates this complex equation. Designed by the agency Chabannethe equipment boasts an assertive architectural style, directly inspired by alpine reliefs like plans of the salient angles of the Vauban fortifications present in the historic town of Briançon. This intention can be read in the structure of the building itself, whose unique geometry constitutes the true technical heart.
The roof of the building develops a faceted, double-sided volume, supported by a mixed wood-metal frame. On the facade, glued laminated posts arranged in a “V” shape structure the whole and contribute to its visual identity. Located in the valley, this volume of 2,000 m2 (57 x 35 m) stands out in the landscape. It catches the eye. And assumes its status as a signature building. © Margueron
The design and studies of this complex framework were therefore entrusted to Margueron. The company had to respond to a demanding technical equation: combining extreme climatic loads, seismic constraints and crossing large spans, particularly in under-tensioned glulam. A high precision exercise. No less than 1,290 hours of study, involving three engineers, were necessary.
In his Belley workshop (Ain), Margueron then assured the prefabrication of all structural elements in glued laminated woodeither :
– 24 beams with a span of 29 m for the main room;
– 4 beams with a span of 24 m for the entrance hall;
– And 23 posts of 9.30 m in length for the facades.
In total, 315 m3 of glued laminated wood were mobilized – an exceptional volume, almost five times greater than that of a standard project in the plain, without seismic constraints. The essence retained is‘Scandinavian spruce class GL28, a superior quality adapted to extreme demands and architectural constraints.
The implementation was entrusted to the local company Chalets Bayrouin charge of assembling the framework and other wooden works. A close collaboration, combining engineering expertise and detailed knowledge of mountain site conditions. A field dialogue serving an extraordinary work. © Margueron
A mixed framework under high structural constraints
Beyond its architectural style, the sports hall had to meet a particularly high level of structural requirements. Located in seismic zone 4it required precision engineering in order to guarantee seismic stability. Bracing devices, integrating metal diagonals, ensure the overall rigidity of the whole in the event of an earthquake. Black in color, these steel elements blend discreetly into the interior ambiance.
There geometry of the inverted double-sided roof generates snow accumulations. In the event of bad weather, loads can quickly become significant. There regulatory snow modeling imposes values ranging from 195 to 326 daN/m2 depending on the areas of the roof. On a conventional building in the plain, these loads do not exceed 45 kg/m2. It was therefore essential to take this weight into account when sizing of long-span, under-tensioned glued laminated beamsposts that meet at the tip and assemblies of a high level of technicality. Concretely, this means more wood and metal materials to meet the severe constraints of the project:
– 150 l/m2 of wood, a ratio three times greater than on a standard structure in the plain;
– 24 tonnes of fittings and hardware, a ratio four times higher than what is implemented on a conventional project.
The structure is organized around 28 main beams, 24 of which have a long span. Of these, 11 are solid, reaching 1.55 m in height, while 13 others are supported by steel tie rods, forming an optimized mixed wood-metal system – with 3 meter lever arms and 42 mm diameter molded yokes. In total, 27 tonnes of metal framework were used. A demanding, but controlled, structural device, combining robustness, finesse and coherence with the architectural design of the project. © Margueron
Tailor-made elements delivered in kit form
THE design office Margueron relies on the design and production tool Cadwork, which enabled continuous exchange of data with Chalets Bayrou as well as with the architectural agency Chabanne. This collaborative process is based on a 3D model that can be used directly in manufacturing, guaranteeing a level of precision of the order of a millimeter.
The Cadwork design and production tool provides a 3D model that can be used directly in manufacturing, guaranteeing a level of precision to the millimeter. © Margueron
All the components were prefabricated then delivered to the site in the form of complete kits – frames and fittings – ready to be assembled, without adjustment or rework on site. This approach, based on the use of the digital model, was also used to create the roof and facade panels, as well as the triangular curtain walls of the main envelope.
In a context of construction site constrained by mountain climatic conditions and with tight deadlines, this high level of prefabrication proved to be decisive. On site, the Chalets Bayrou teams were able to rely on detailed assembly plans provided by Margueronfacilitating smooth, precise and perfectly coordinated implementation.
